Parents and doctors may worry about the psychiatric risks of GLP-1 weight-loss medications in children and teens, fearing they could raise the risk of suicide or suicidal thoughts. However, a recent study of over 54,000 U.S. adolescents found no such link. In fact, the study has revealed a 33% reduction in suicidal thoughts and attempts among obese teens using GLP-1 drugs compared to those not on the medication. The research suggests that as GLP-1 medications help teens lose weight, their mental health may improve, possibly due to the positive impact of weight loss on quality of life.
GLP-1 medications have gained popularity for weight loss, especially as 1 in 5 U.S. children are now obese. While the link between GLP-1 meds and psychiatric issues has been debated, this study showed fewer psychiatric events among adolescents taking these drugs, particularly semaglutide. The researchers…
